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Diversity inclusion and belonging

IDAHOBIT Day

  • Rainbow flag

    IDAHOBIT - International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination

    The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia is observed on May 17 and aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide. The date was chosen to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1990.  The day for an open acceptance of different self-identified expressions coming together to share pride in oneself, happiness, and love with others as participants take charge against different forms of hate in the world.  The Royal Children's Hospital chooses to celebrate IDAHOBIT to demonstrate its commitment to every employee and patient, to empower each person to bring their whole selves to work. 

    What can you do?

    • Wear something rainbow on 17 May (or your closest working day) to show your colleagues you support LGBTQI+
    • During your Teams meetings - put up a rainbow background (to download official Zoom backgrounds, click here)
    • Send a card or email to one of your LGBTQI+ colleagues, family or friends - letting them know how much you appreciate them and wish them a happy IDOHOBIT! 
    • Post a message on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter to show your support.
    • Change your email signature for the day to recognise IDAHOBIT Day (see suggested templates).

    Suggested email IDAHOBIT day signature lines:

    • I pledge to never stay silent about homophobia, biphobia, interphobia or transphobia. I will always stand with my LGBTQI team mates and colleagues. I am part of the solution. RCH celebrates IDAHOBIT 17 May 2021.
    • "We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference, and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity."--George Takei -- RCH celebrates IDAHOBIT 17 May 2021
    • "Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it's a good place to start."-- Jason Collins, first openly gay athlete in U.S. pro sports -- RCH celebrates IDAHOBIT 17 May 2021
    • "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” – Article I of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- RCH celebrates IDAHOBIT 17 May 2021
    • “We are made for goodness. We are made for love. We are made for friendliness. We are made for togetherness. We are made for all of the beautiful things that you and I know. We are made to tell the world that there are no outsiders. All are welcome: black, white, red, yellow, rich, poor, educated, not educated, male, female, gay, straight, all, all, all. We all belong to this family, this human family, God’s family.” – Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize winner